From the preparation to the little tricks we photographers use, here are 6 things you didn’t know about cake smash photography.Cake smash sessions are all the rage for celebrating a baby’s first birthday, but there’s a lot more to these adorable, messy photo shoots than meets the eye.

1. Sometimes We Have to “Fake” the Cake Smash

Believe it or not, some babies are a bit cautious when it comes to smashing a cake! They might poke it, or even avoid touching it altogether. That’s where a photographer’s creativity comes in. Sometimes we gently break a piece off the cake to get the smashing started or even sneak in a favourite snack behind the cake to encourage them to dive in. At Aurora Joy Photography, we’ve mastered the art of making the “smash” happen — no matter how shy your little one is at first.

2. Babies Don’t Always Eat the Cake

While some babies love digging into the cake and tasting the sweet icing, others aren’t that interested in eating it. And that’s perfectly fine! Cake smash sessions are all about the experience and the fun mess, not necessarily about eating the cake. Some babies will play with the texture, squish it in their hands, or just marvel at this colourful thing in front of them!

3. Props Make a Big Difference

Props aren’t just decorations; they can also help tell the story of your baby’s cake smash session. From colourful balloons and banners to cute wooden crates or themed toys, props add personality and depth to the photos. Whether you’re going for a minimalist look or an extravagant setup, the right props can enhance the session without overshadowing your little one. At Aurora Joy Photography, we help you select props that fit your theme and style.

4. Cake Smash Photography is More than Just Cake

While the cake is obviously the star of the show, cake smash photography is about so much more than just the cake. These sessions capture your baby’s unique expressions, their curiosity, and their personality. Whether they’re laughing, playing with the cake, or even a little hesitant at first, every moment is worth capturing. Some photographers even add a “splash session” at the end, where your baby gets to play in a small tub or sink after all the messy fun!

5. It’s a Full-on Workout for the Parents!

Cake smash sessions aren’t just fun for the baby — they’re often a workout for the parents too! You might find yourself singing songs, making funny faces, or clapping to get your baby to engage with the cake. It’s all part of the fun, and those behind-the-scenes efforts can make all the difference in capturing those perfect shots.

6. Clean-Up Can Be Just as Fun

As much as we love the cake-smashing part, clean-up time can be just as entertaining. Many photographers offer a splash session where your baby can have a quick dip in a little tub, play with bubbles, and get all cleaned up. These moments make for some extra-cute photos that complement the cake smash shots perfectly. At Aurora Joy Photography, we find that babies love this part almost as much as the cake smash itself!

If you’re looking to capture your baby’s first birthday in a fun and unique way, a cake smash session is the perfect choice. At Aurora Joy Photography, based in Melbourne, we specialise in creating memorable, messy, and magical moments that you’ll treasure forever.

Cake: Cakes by Red